Systems and methods for flexible gaming environments

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods for a flexible, dynamically configurable, process of connecting together modules or elements of a hybrid game having an entertainment game component and a gambling game component over a wide area network or the Internet. The systems and methods enable the modules or elements of the hybrid game to dynamically connect, and then perform their functions, without having to be pre-compiled or integrated. Such systems and methods dynamically bring together modules or elements to create a gaming environment in conjunction with a game of skill in the context of a networked gaming environment, such as a communication network within a casino, or a wide area network, such as the Internet.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is a continuation of Patent Cooperation TreatyApplication No. PCT/US12/40800, filed Jun. 4, 2012, which claims thebenefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Nos. 61/519,981, filedJun. 2, 2011, and 61/604,347, filed Feb. 28, 2012, the contents of eachof which are hereby incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD

The present application concerns gaming, and more specifically to gamingover a communications network.

BACKGROUND

The gaming machine manufacturing industry provides a variety of gamingmachines to enable wagering for interested parties whilst providing anentertainment experience. An exemplary gaming machine is a slot machine.As the demographic of eligible players has shifted with time to newergenerations who have grown accustomed to highly sophisticated graphicsand interactive video games, a need has arisen to increase theentertainment content present on a gaming machine to keep it relevant,at least to a growing portion of a casino's patronage.

One form of distribution of typical video games is through the Internet.The video games are distributed and played on-line without concern forregulation, oversight or auditing. Nor is the distribution of a typicalon-line video game organized to enable game play with a gamblingcomponent.

SUMMARY

Systems and methods in accordance with embodiments of the inventionprovide for receiving a request for coupling an entertainment gameportion of a hybrid game to a hybrid game control logic portion of ahybrid game, determining that the entertainment game portion of thehybrid game is approved for a regulatory regime; and coupling theentertainment game portion of the hybrid game to the hybrid game controllogic portion of the hybrid game when it is determined that theentertainment game portion of the hybrid game is approved.

In some embodiments, it is determined if the entertainment game portionof the hybrid game is associated with an account and the entertainmentgame portion of the hybrid game is made available for coupling to thehybrid game control logic portion of the hybrid game when it isdetermined that the entertainment game portion of the hybrid game isassociated with an account.

In various embodiments, the hybrid game control logic portion of thehybrid game is made available when it is determined that the hybrid gamecontrol logic portion of the hybrid game is approved for the regulatoryregime.

In many embodiments, the hybrid game control logic portion of the hybridgame transmits a regulatory regime/tax tag to a regulatoryinspection/action tracking module.

In some embodiments, the entertainment game portion of the hybrid gametransmits a regulatory regime/tax tag to a regulatory inspection/actiontracking module.

In various embodiments, a request is received from the hybrid gamecontrol logic portion of the hybrid game to connect to a gambling gameportion of the hybrid game; and the hybrid game control logic portion ofthe hybrid game is coupled to the gambling game portion of the hybridgame when it is determined that the gambling game portion of the hybridgame is approved for the regulatory regime.

In many embodiments, the gambling game portion of the hybrid gametransmits a regulatory regime/tax tag to a regulatory inspection/actiontracking module.

In some embodiments, a request is received from the entertainment gameportion of the hybrid game to utilize a financial institution forfunding the hybrid game and the funding of the hybrid game using thefinancial institution is authorized.

In various embodiments, a system is provided for a gaming environment.The system includes a processor and a memory coupled to the processor,the memory having processor-executable instructions including receivinga request for coupling an entertainment game portion of a hybrid game toa hybrid game control logic portion of a hybrid game, determining thatthe entertainment game portion of the hybrid game is approved for aregulatory regime; and coupling the entertainment game portion of thehybrid game to the hybrid game control logic portion of the hybrid gamewhen it is determined that the entertainment game portion of the hybridgame is approved.

In many embodiments, the instructions further include determining if theentertainment game portion of the hybrid game is associated with anaccount, and making the entertainment game portion of the hybrid gameavailable for coupling to the hybrid game control logic portion of thehybrid game when it is determined that the entertainment game portion ofthe hybrid game is associated with an account.

In some embodiments, the instructions further include making availablethe hybrid game control logic portion of the hybrid game when it isdetermined that the hybrid game control logic portion of the hybrid gameis approved for the regulatory regime.

In various embodiments, the instructions further include receiving, fromthe hybrid game control logic portion of the hybrid game, a regulatoryregime/tax tag for a regulatory inspection/action tracking module.

In many embodiments, the instructions further include receiving, fromthe entertainment game portion of the hybrid game, a regulatoryregime/tax tag for a regulatory inspection/action tracking module.

In some embodiments, the instructions further include receiving arequest by the hybrid game control logic portion of the hybrid game toconnect to a gambling game portion of the hybrid game, and coupling thehybrid game control logic portion of the hybrid game to the gamblinggame portion of the hybrid game when it is determined that the gamblinggame portion of the hybrid game is approved for the regulatory regime.

In various embodiments, the instructions further include receiving, fromthe gambling game portion of the hybrid game a regulatory regime/tax tagfor a regulatory inspection/action tracking module.

In many embodiments, the instructions further include receiving arequest from the entertainment game portion of the hybrid game toutilize a financial institution for funding the hybrid game andauthorizing the funding of the hybrid game using the financialinstitution.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an illustration of a gaming environment in accordance with anexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2 is an illustration of a system for interconnecting a hybrid gamemodules or elements over a wide area network in accordance with anexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 3 is an illustration of a cloud-based system for interconnecting ahybrid game modules or elements over a wide area network in accordancewith an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 4 is an illustration of a marketplace MUX in accordance with anexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 5 is an illustration of a set of data flows, signaling andinformation exchange between various modules or elements of amarketplace MUX in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 6 is an illustration of the operation of a regulatory regime/tax(RR/T) tag in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an implementation of a hybrid game in acasino in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing another implementation of a hybrid game inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a diagram of another implementation of a hybrid game inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 10 illustrates an overview of an exemplary credit system of ahybrid game in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 11 shows an exemplary credit flow and management in a hybrid gamein accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 12 illustrates a processing apparatus in accordance an exemplaryembodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Turning now to the drawings, the drawings illustrate systems and methodsfor a flexible, dynamically configurable, method for connecting togethermodules or elements of a hybrid game having an entertainment gamecomponent and a gambling game component over a wide area network or theInternet, enabling the modules or elements of the hybrid game todynamically connect, and then perform their functions, without having tobe pre-compiled or integrated. Such systems and methods dynamicallybring together modules or elements to create a gaming environment inconjunction with a game of skill in the context of a networkedenvironment, such as the Internet.

FIG. 1 is an illustration of a system for interconnecting hybrid gamemodules or elements over a wide area network in accordance with anexemplary embodiment. In various embodiments, the system dynamicallyassembles one or more instances of a hybrid game. A hybrid game 100 is agame that integrates both a gambling game and an entertainment game. Thehybrid game includes a real world engine 108 (RWE) module or elementthat manages the gambling portion of the hybrid game, a game worldengine 110 (GWE) module or element that includes the hybrid game controllogic portion of the hybrid game and manages an interface between theRWE and the entertainment portion of the hybrid game, and anentertainment software engine 122 (ESE) module or element that executesthe entertainment portion of the hybrid game for user entertainment. Amarketplace multiplexer (MUX) 190 operatively connects the GWE to theRWE and the ESE.

The GWE 108 manages ESE game world (GW) and RWE real world (RW) portionsof the hybrid game, and includes the mechanical, electronic and softwarecomponents used to implement the hybrid game control logic to performvarious functions for the hybrid game. For example, variousimplementations of a GWE include the functions of: (a) coupling to anESE to signal and provide controls of the GW portion of the gameoperating in the ESE, (b) including tables for determining game worldcredits (GWCs) and, if applicable, take input from this table to affectthe play of the GW portion of the game, (c) coupling to an RWE todetermine and amount of real credit (RC) available on the hybrid gameand other metrics of wagering on the RW portion of the game, (d)potentially affect the amount of RC in play, pay tables, odds and otherwager shaping factors in operation on the RWE, (e) providing variousaudit logs and activity meters, and (f) coupling to a centralized serverfor exchanging various data related to the player and their activitieson the game.

The ESE 122 is a portion of a hybrid game that is an electronic andsoftware system including the control logic that controls the playing ofvideo games for entertainment. The ESE accepts input from a playerthrough a set of hand, foot, body, mind and/or visual controls andoutputs video, audio and/or other sensory output to a user interface. APersonal Computer (PC), Sony PlayStation® or Microsoft Xbox® running aspecific game program (e.g. a version of Madden Football '10 or Call ofDuty®) would be typical examples of an ESE. For the purposes of thisdisclosure, the ESE interfaces and exchanges data with and acceptscontrol information from various components in a hybrid game, or asystem of which the hybrid game is a part.

In certain embodiments, the hybrid game also includes a user interfaceassociated with either or both the gambling game and the entertainmentgame. In many embodiments, an entertainment game is a skill,pseudo-skill or non-skill game, deterministic or interactive, operatingon the ESE that provides an entertainment or informative sensoryentertainment experience for the player.

In some embodiments, a hybrid game is form of game, designed for use ina physical or virtual casino environment, that provides players anenvironment in that to play for cash, prizes and points, either againstthe casino or in head-to-head modes in a controlled and regulated mannerwhile being allowed to use their skills and adeptness at a particulartype of game. An example of such a game would be a challenging wordspelling game, or an interactive action game such as is found on videogame consoles popular today, such as a PlayStation®, an Xbox®, a Wii® ora PC based game. In various environments, an interactive entertainmentgame is provided where skill and chance may coalesce to provide a richarcade-style gaming experience, visually exciting and challenging, whereplayers may wager cash, credits prizes and points in order to win moreof the foregoing.

RWE 108 functions as an operating system for the gambling game of thehybrid game 104 and controls and operates the gambling game. Theoperation of a gambling game is enabled by real funds, accretes anddeclinates real gambling credits based on random gambling outcome, andwhose gambling proposition is typically regulated by gaming controlbodies. In many embodiments, the RWE 108 includes a real world (RW)operating system (OS) 136, random number generator (RNG) 138, level “n”real-world credit pay tables (table Ln-RC) 140, RC meters 142 and othersoftware constructs that enable a game of chance to offer a fair andtransparent gambling proposition, and to include the auditable systemsand functions that can enable the game to obtain gaming regulatory bodyapproval.

This is a table and/or algorithms that may exist, and may be used inconjunction with a random number generator to dictate the RC earned as afunction of a wager proposition and is analogous to the pay tables usedin a conventional slot machine. There may be one or a plurality of tableLn-Rc pay tables included in a game design.

In some embodiments, the RWE A portion of a hybrid game which operatesthe RC wagering aspects, and includes the mechanical, electronic andsoftware aspects to perform the following non-exhaustive list offunctions: (a) include or interface to an RNG and provide control of theRW portion of the game, (b) include table Ln-RC and to take input fromthis table to affect the wagering activity of the game, (c) couple tothe GWE to communicate the amount of RC available on the game, (d)communicate other metrics of wagering and its status to the GWE, (e)accept input from the GWE as to the amount of RC to be wagered, (f)accept signaling from the GWE in order to trigger execution of anwagering play, (g) include various audit logs and activity meters, (h)couple to a centralized server for exchanging various data related toaccounting of the wagering proposition, the player and their wageringactivities on the game. Certain aspects of an RWE would be analogous tocomponents within a slot machine.

A real world can be considered a physical world of which humans are apart, as opposed to the virtual game world. For the purposes of thisdisclosure, this may also be used in the context of the gambling orwagering portion of the game hybrid game (the RWE) which may or may notinclude an entertainment portion of its own, but whose fundamentaloperation is enabled by real funds, and which accretes and declinatesreal wagering credits and/or funds based on random wagering outcomes,and whose wagering proposition is typically regulated by gaming controlbodies. For the purposes of this disclosure, the fundamentals of themechanisms of play of a slot machine should be thought of as RW.

A random number generator (RNG) 138 includes software and/or hardwarealgorithms and/or processes that are used to generate random orpseudorandom outcomes. A level n real-world credit pay table (tableLn-RC) 140 is a table that can be used in conjunction with a randomnumber generator to dictate the real world credits (RC) earned as afunction of game play and is analogous to the pay tables used in aconventional slot machine. Table Ln-Rc payouts are independent of playerskill. There may be one or a plurality of table Ln-Rc pay tablescontained in a gambling game, the selection of which may be determinedby game progress a player has earned, and bonus rounds, which a playermay be eligible for. Real world credits (RC) are credits analogous toslot machine game credits, which are entered into a gambling game by theuser, either in the form of hard currency or electronic funds. RCs canbe decremented or augmented based on the outcome of a random numbergenerator according to the table Ln-Rc real world credits pay table,independent of player skill. In certain embodiments, an amount of RC canbe required to enter higher ESE game levels. RC can be carried forwardto higher game levels or paid out if a game cash out is opted for by aplayer. The amount of RC required to enter a specific level of the game“level n” need not be the same for each level.

In many embodiments, the GWE 110 manages the overall hybrid gameoperation, with the RWE 108 and the ESE 122 effectively being supportunits to the GWE 110. In several embodiments, the GWE 110 containsmechanical, electronic and software system for an entertainment game.The GWE includes a game world (GW) game operating system (OS) 144 thatprovides control of the entertainment game.

In some embodiments, the GWE also manages game world credits (GWCs) thatare player and/or game GW points earned or depleted as a function of aplayer's skill or player performance in the context of an entertainment(i.e. ESE) game. GWC is analogous to the “score” in a typical videogame. Any given entertainment game may have a scoring criterion nativeto its makeup, and methods for utilizing this score in the context ofthe hybrid game may be embedded within a table Ln-GWC that reflectsplayer performance against the goal(s) of the entertainment game. Insome embodiments, GWC may be fungible between hybrid games, and may becarried forward from one level of game play to another in any givenentertainment game. There may be one or more types of GWC present in ahybrid game. GWC may be ultimately paid out in various manners such asdirectly in cash and goods prizes, or indirectly such as consumed orbenchmarked for earning entrance into a sweepstakes drawing, or earningparticipation in a tournament with prizes, or indirectly by purchasesand redemptions within the GW entertainment game context. In manyembodiments, GWC may be utilized to determine ranking of players, andwinners in tournaments. In some embodiments, GWC may be attributed to aspecific player or player's avatar in the GW, may be stored on a systemunder a player account for accumulation over time and retrieval, and/ormay be stored on a card or other transportable media.

The GWE additionally contains a level “n” game world credit pay table(table Ln-GWC) 146 indicating where to take input from this table toaffect the play of the entertainment game. The GWE can further couple tothe RWE 108 to determine the amount of RC available on the game andother metrics of wagering on the gambling game (and potentially affectthe amount of RC in play on the RWE 108). The GWE additionally containsvarious audit logs and activity meters (such as the GWC meter 148). TheGWE can also couple to a centralized server for exchanging various datarelated to the player and their activities on the game. The GWEfurthermore couples to the ESE 122.

In many embodiments, a level “n” game world credit pay table (tableLn-GWC) 146 dictates the GWC earned as a function of player skill in thenth level of the game. The payouts governed by this table are dependentupon player skill and game play at large and may or may not be coupledto a random number generator. In several embodiments, game world credits(GWC) are player points earned or depleted as a function of playerskill, i.e. as a function of player performance in the context of thegame. GWC is analogous to the “score” in a typical video game. Each gamehas one or more scoring criterion, embedded within the table Ln-GWC 146that reflects player performance against the goal(s) of the game. GWCcan be carried forward from one level of game play to another, andultimately paid out in various manners such as directly in cash, orindirectly such as earning entrance into a sweepstakes drawing, orearning participation in, or victory in, a tournament with prizes. GWCmay be stored on a player tracking card or in a network-based playertracking system, where the GWC is attributed to a specific player.

In some embodiments, the operation of the GWE 110 does not affect theRWE's 108 gambling operation except for player choice parameters thatare allowable in slot machines today, such as the wager amount, how fastthe player wants to play (by pressing a button or pulling the slot'shandle), agreement to wager into a bonus round, etc. In this sense, theRWE provides a fair and transparent, non-skill based gamblingproposition co-processor to the GWE. In the illustrated embodiment, thecommunication link shown between the GWE 110 and the RWE 108 allows theGWE 110 to obtain information from the RWE 108 as to the amount of RCavailable in the gambling game. The communication link can also convey anecessary status operation of the RWE (such as on-line or tilt). Thecommunication link can further communicate the various gambling controlfactors, which the RWE 108 uses as input, such as the number of RCconsumed per game or the player's election to enter a jackpot round.

In FIG. 1, the GWE 110 is also shown as connecting to the player's userinterface directly, as this may be necessary to communicate certainentertainment game club points, player status, control the selection ofchoices and messages which a player may find useful in order to adjusttheir entertainment game experience or understand their gambling statusin the RWE 108.

In various embodiments, the ESE 122 manages and controls the visual,audio, and player control for the entertainment game. In certainembodiments, the ESE 122 accepts input from a player through a set ofhand controls, and/or head, gesture, and/or eye tracking systems andoutputs video, audio and/or other sensory output to a user interface. Inmany embodiments, the ESE 122 can exchange data with and accept controlinformation from the GWE 110. In several embodiments an ESE 122 can beimplemented using a personal computer (PC), a mobile device such as asmartphone, a tablet computer, a personal digital assistant, a SonyPlayStation® (a video game console developed by Sony ComputerEntertainment of Tokyo Japan), or Microsoft Xbox® (a video game consoledeveloped by Microsoft Corporation of Redmond, Wash.) running a specificgame program.

The ESE 122 operates mostly independently from the GWE 110, except thatvia their interface, the GWE 110 may send certain GW game controlparameters to the ESE 122 to affect the entertainment game's play, suchas (but not limited to) what level of character to be used, changing thedifficulty level of the game, changing the type of game object, such asa gun or a car, in use, requesting potions to become available or to befound by the character, etc. The ESE 122 can accept this input from theGWE 110, make adjustments, and continue the play action all the whilerunning seamlessly from the player's perspective. The ESE's 122operation is mostly skill based, except for where the ESE's algorithmmay inject complexities into the game by chance in its normal operationto create unpredictability in the entertainment game. Utilizing thisinterface, the ESE may also communicate player choices made in the gameto the GWE 110, such as selection of a different gun, the player pickingup a special potion in the GW environment, etc.

In other embodiments, operation of an entertainment game of a hybridgame by a player consumes one or more enabling modules or elements (EEs)within the entertainment game. An EE is a module or element that isconsumed by, traded or exchanged in, operated upon, or used to enablethe entertainment game portion of the hybrid game. There may be one ormore types of EE present in the hybrid game's entertainment game.Examples of EE include bullets in a shooting game, fuel in a racinggame, letters in a word spelling game, downs in a football game, potionsin a character adventure game, character health points, etc. The GWE canassociate consumption of an EE with the commitment or wager of RC to agambling game of the hybrid game whereby commitment or wagering of theRC in the gambling game is coordinated with the consumption of the EE inthe entertainment game because of actions of the player. Furthermore,the GWE can provide an increment or decrement of EE available to theplayer in coordination with the gambling outcome of the gambling gamesuch as by incrementing the EE when RC is won or decrementing EE when RCis lost.

The GWE's job in this architecture, being interfaced thusly to the ESE,is to allow the transparent coupling of entertainment software to a fairand transparent random chance gambling game, providing a seamlessperspective to the player that they are playing a typical popularentertainment game (which is skill based). In certain embodiments, theESE 122 can be used to enable a wide range of games including but notlimited to popular titles from arcade and home video games, such as butnot limited to Gears of War (a third person shooter game developed byEpic Games of Cary, N.C.), Time Crisis (a shooter arcade game developedby Namco Ltd of Tokyo, Japan), or Madden Football (an American footballvideo game developed by EA Tiburon of Maitland, Fla.), etc.). Providersof such software can provide the previously described interface by whichthe GWE 110 can request amendments to the operation of the ESE softwarein order to provide the seamless and sensible operation of the hybridgame as both a gambling game and an entertainment game.

In several embodiments, the RWE 108 can accept a trigger to run agambling game in response to actions taken by the player in theentertainment game as conveyed by the ESE 122 to the GWE 110, or astriggered by the GWE 110 based on the GWE's control logic, in thebackground to the overall game from the player's perspective, and canprovide information to the GWE 110 to expose the player to certainaspects of the gambling game, such as (but not limited to) odds, amountof RC in play, and amount of RC available. The RWE 108 can acceptmodifications in the amount of RC wagered on each individual gamblingtry, or the number of games per minute the RWE 108 can execute, entranceinto a bonus round, and other factors, all the while these factors cantake a different form than that of a typical slot machine. An example ofa varying wager amount that the player can choose might be that theyhave decided to play with a more powerful character in the game, orhaving a more powerful gun, a better car, etc. These choices canincrease or decrease the amount wagered per individual gambling game, inthe same manner that a standard slot machine player may decide to wagermore or less credits for each pull of the handle. In severalembodiments, the RWE 108 can communicate a number of factors back andforth to the GWE 110, via their interface, such as an increase ordecrease in a wager being a function of the player's decision making asto their operational profile in the entertainment game (i.e. power ofthe character, gun selection, car choice, etc.). In this manner, theplayer is always in control of the per game wager amount, with thechoice mapping to some parameter or component which is applicable to theentertainment game experience of the hybrid game. In a particularembodiment, the RWE operation can be a game of chance running every 10seconds where the amount wagered is communicated from the GWE 110 as afunction of choices the player makes in the operation profile in theentertainment game such as those cited above.

In many embodiments, a hybrid game integrates a video game stylegambling machine, where the gambling game (i.e. RWE 108 and RC) is notplayer skill based, while at the same time allows players to use theirskills to earn club points which a casino operator can translate torewards, tournaments opportunities and prizes for the players. Theactual exchange of monetary funds earned or lost directly from gamblingagainst a game of chance, such as a slot machine, is preserved. At thesame time, a rich environment of rewards to stimulate “gamers” can beestablished with the entertainment game. In several embodiments, thehybrid game can leverage very popular titles with “gamers” and providesa sea change environment for casinos to attract players with games thatare more akin to the type of entertainment, which a younger generationdesires. In various embodiments, players can use their skill towardsbuilding and banking GWC, which in turn can be used to win tournamentsand various prizes as a function of their “gamers” prowess. Numerousembodiments minimize the underlying changes needed to the aforementionedentertainment software (Gears of War, etc.), for the hybrid game tooperate within an entertainment game construct, thus making a plethoraof complex game titles and environments, rapid and inexpensive to deployin a gaming environment.

In various embodiments, a system is provided that effects theintegration of modules or elements allowing players to utilize a newtype of slot machine game that operates on and/or accrues or consumesnew forms of currency, one such currency being legal tender or script asreal world credit (RC), another currency being game world credit (GWC),as the system integrates a traditional game of random chance playing forRC that functions in concert with a skill game playing for GWC.

In various embodiments, a hybrid game can be played by users on a wideareas network, such as the Internet, through a website (e.g. Facebook®,addictinggames.com, bodog.com, etc.) or a dedicated application runningon a computer such as an iPad, mobile phone, laptop, PlayStation®, orother computer device. In some embodiments, a flexible gamingenvironment organizes the various modules or elements into a system thatcan enable game play with a gambling component, allowing variouscombinations of the modules or elements (from one or more distinctentities) to be organized to achieve a specific player experience, whileproviding for regulation, oversight and auditing of a gaming businesses.

In some embodiments, to bring into effect an instance of a hybrid gameon-line, a number of modules or elements are present. These include anentertainment software engine (ESE), that provides rich multi-mediaoutput of high entertainment value to the player, a game world engine(GWE), and a real world engine or (RWE).

In various embodiments, all of these modules or elements of a hybridgame can be present in a single physical game located on the floor of acasino. In other embodiments, each of these modules or elements (or asubset of them) can be distributed across servers that are notphysically coincident. In some of these embodiments, these modules orelements can be dynamically organized, or put another way, mixed, toalter the implementation of the hybrid game in response to the desiresof the player or the company or companies that control variousembodiments of the value chain related to providing end users with acomplete gaming experience while providing that regulatory and auditingrequirements are met.

In some embodiments, the ESE, GWE and RWE can be resident on one or morecomputers and tied together inextricably (i.e. the software in eachinstance of the aforementioned modules or elements is programmed toconnect to a specifically named module or element of each other) toprovide the functionality necessary to implement the hybrid game. Inthis embodiment, regulating and auditing of the system is achievedthrough the functionality of the various modules or elements making upthe hybrid game, and it is likely, though not necessary, that each ofthese functional modules or elements are under the control of a singleentity that is effectively delivering the entire game experience to theend user. A real world (RW) and game world (GW) user interfaces could,for example, share a single window in a web-browser, or operate throughseparate windows in a web browser. In some embodiments, a game worldincludes an entertainment portion of a hybrid game and is made up ofinformation typically associated with a virtual entertainmentenvironment, including the hybrid game's visual and logical game space,game state, game characters, progress points and scores. For thepurposes of this disclosure, typical games played on a gaming console,such as a Sony PlayStation®, or a PC could be thought of as in the GW.

They could also take the form of more freestanding web-enabled appsresident on a mobile device or other computer.

In other embodiments, the various functional modules or elements are nottied together inextricably but rather can be organized dynamically inresponse to commands from a control layer, thereby allowing a specificcombination of ESE, GWE, RWE (and also potentially a game world creditexchange (GWCE)) to be organized dynamically in response to inputprovided from one or more parties (e.g. the player, the operator of thesite through that the player interfaces to the game, a provider ofgambling services, regulatory bodies, etc.). In some embodiments, thisdynamic organization can be undertaken as often as every game sessionthat is commenced by a player, or much less frequently (i.e. a web siteoperator, provider of gambling services, regulatory body, and/or otherparties may establish a more “permanent” arrangement that persistsacross a fixed period of time).

Various hybrid games are discussed in Patent Cooperation TreatyApplication No. PCT/US11/26768, filed Mar. 1, 2011, entitled “ENRICHEDGAME PLAY ENVIRONMENT (SINGLE and/or MULTI-PLAYER) FOR CASINOAPPLICATIONS” and Patent Cooperation Treaty Application No.PCT/US11/63587, filed Dec. 6, 2011, entitled “ENHANCED SLOT-MACHINE FORCASINO APPLICATIONS” each disclosure of which is hereby incorporated byreference in its entirety. The RWE, GWE and ESE are also discussedfurther below.

In FIG. 2, one or more of a plurality of ESEs 203, are operativelyconnected to a one or more of a plurality of GWEs 202, that in turn areoperatively connected to one or more of a plurality of RWEs 204 by oneor more marketplace multiplexers (MUXs) 200 over a wide area network,such as the Internet 205. Marketplace MUXs provide for the connection ofthe various modules or elements of a hybrid game so that a gamingsession can be conducted. Any one of the ESEs can be connected one of anumber of available GWEs, which then in turn connected to any one of anumber of available RWEs, this function being conducted by themarketplace MUXs. It is also possible that a given GWE may connect to aplurality of ESEs, so that the features of the particular GWE can beexploited by a given ESE. It is also possible that a given RWE may servea number of GWEs, depending on the connection arrangement. As can beseen in the figure, the marketplace MUXs enable the connection of thethree hybrid game modules or elements (ESE, GWE, RWE) in a number ofpossible permutations, effectively dynamically assembling a hybrid gameover a communications network such as the Internet where the variousmodules or elements could be literally located anywhere the Internet isavailable and it is lawful to play a hybrid game.

Also shown in FIG. 2 is a discrete financial institution 202, associatedwith one of the RWEs. It should be noted that in some embodiments, theprovider of the RWE wagering engine might not be the same entity as thatwith that the player of a given ESE would have an account to supportfunds transfer so wagering could result. In many cases, however, the RWEoperator and financial institution can be offered by the same entity,and further, the RWE and financial institution may even operate on thesame server. The dashed connection line in the figure between the RWEand the financial institution 202, might be a direct LAN, WAN, Internetconnection or some other method for connecting the two systems/servers.

In some embodiments, the financial institution can be directly orindirectly accessed by the player without interfacing through thevarious hybrid game modules or elements or marketplace MUXs, with theplayer then transferring funds, credits or a line of credit into thehybrid game environment. Also depicted in FIG. 2 is the one or moremarketplace MUXs being interfaced to each other over the communicationnetwork such as the Internet for the purposes of control, status anddata exchange to enable the dynamically assembled hybrid games.

The dynamic environment of FIG. 2 allows a plurality of ESE modules orelements, inclusive of the entertainment game content they support, tobe linked to 1 of N GWE modules or elements through the marketplace MUXshown in the figure. The GWE modules or elements, in turn, can be linkedto 1 of Q RWE modules or elements through the same or anothermarketplace MUX. The connections between various modules or elements canbe made and broken as frequently as each gambling session, though theycan also be relatively persistent in nature. For example, a gameprovider can select a specific implementation of the GWE to plug intotheir ESE in such a way that the connection is not open to change as afunction of a player's interaction with the system. As another example,a game provider may be a person or entity which operates one or moreoperations, including but not limited to a WAN gaming franchise, awebsite or websites, and/or provides applications for internet enabledcomputer devices, each providing a means by which players can interfacewith their entertainment games, and thus inevitably, hybrid games. Thegame provider and the casino can be the same entity, but need not be. Inmany embodiments, the game provider can select a specific instance of anRWE to provide the gambling game functionality to complete the system.The protocols and signaling used to connect to (and thus be gated by)the marketplace MUXs and similarly the ESEs, GWEs and RWEs, can bestandardized to ensure interoperability. In some embodiments, aplurality of marketplace MUXs 200, each provide connectivity to acommunity of authorized hybrid game modules or elements, and thesevarious marketplace MUXs are capable of interconnecting to one another,or embodiments where a single marketplace MUX would be capable ofinterconnecting all three of the hybrid game modules or elements (ESE,GWE, RWE).

In many embodiments, the plurality of RWEs shown in FIG. 2 may each beunder the control of a different regulatory body, and each may have itsown regulatory regime, such as a regime associating each hybrid gamemodule or element with a specific regulatory body that is entitled togovern that module or element's functionality. The regulatory regime mayalso contain a set of parameters that govern behavior of the RWE withwhich it is associated in accord with the regulatory environment inquestion. For certain modules or elements it is possible that theregulatory regime contains a null set, that is, the hybrid game may notneed to be regulated. Accordingly, the architecture illustrated in FIG.2, allows entertainment games of hybrid games to be played by playerssubject to a number of different regulatory jurisdictions.

The system of FIG. 2 provides also for various types of ownership of, orcontrol of each of these modules or elements from a businessperspective. Operational control can be manifested in a number of ways,all of that are supported by the system of FIG. 2. For example, the sameentity could control ESE, GWE and RWE modules or elements, or one entitycould control an ESE and a GWE module or element while interfacing withan RWE module or element owned and operated by another party.Conversely, the ESE, GWE and RWE modules or elements could be operatedby different independent entities. Also, the various marketplace MUXscould be owned and operated by another entity that provides theinfrastructure for operation of hybrid games.

In some embodiments, the marketplace MUXs, and their ability tointerconnect, enable fluid marketplaces through which the variousmodules or elements are interconnected to dynamically form hybrid games.In many embodiments, the GWE and RWE modules or elements arecharacterized in the marketplace, allowing them to be discovered andinterconnected to each other and further to ESE modules or elements. Inaddition to the technical characteristics of the RWE and GWE that aredescribed (for example, the characteristics of the gambling propositionfor each RWE, any player club considerations, etc.), the economic rentscharged by the owners of each module or element are defined in themarketplaces, so that entities interconnecting modules or elementsunderstand the economic rents they will have to pay. Fees and chargesmay or may not then be exposed to players of the ESE entertainment gamesby the game providers.

In some embodiments, a given entertainment video game operating on aplurality of ESEs can be interfaced with more than one GWE, and that agiven GWE can be interfaced to more than one RWE. A single session withwhich a specific player interacts, will only include one of each moduleor element, but from a systems view (as opposed to a single sessionview), a given video game operating on an ESE and GWE combination can beinteracting with a number of RWEs at the same time, each within adifferent session.

The ability to dynamically arrange the various hybrid game modules orelements over the Internet or a WAN enables a number of functions in thearchitecture. In some embodiments, a popular, commonly availableentertainment game, acting as the ESE of a hybrid game, can be played onan iPad for instance, and depending on what is legally allowable,dynamically connect to other modules or elements of a hybrid game overthe Internet, thereby efficiently porting the hybrid game to the mobileenvironment.

In many embodiments, RWEs (and/or financial institution credit forplayers) can be provided by traditional land base casino operators,allowing players to play the game in the context of a specific playerclub at a property they frequent.

In various embodiments, the wagering proposition associated with aparticular entertainment game, can be altered by selecting a differentGWE/RWE combination, so as to fit a specific player's profile, budget,self-imposed constraints and casino-imposed constraints.

In some embodiments, various regulatory and legal requirements ofdifferent jurisdictions can be satisfied for the same entertainmentgame, across the breadth of jurisdictions, but only enabling connectionto a particular GWE/RWE combination.

In many embodiments, ESE entertainment game providers can outsource theprovisioning of RWE services to existing casino operators.

In various embodiments, a player can change the volatility andplayability (i.e. the rate of variation of wins, and the size of thewins) of a particular entertainment game (running on the ESE), simply byselecting a different GWE/RWE combination. This is because the wageringand game world engine rules engines could be different between eachcombination, changing the “feel” of the game. An example of this mightbe: Frogger® brought to you by Xcite! vs. playing Frogger® Engage.Xcite! and Engage in this example would be different providers of aGWE/RWE combination to that the Frogger® game was linked by thearchitecture described in this disclosure.

In some embodiments, a market can be made for RWE services, wherebycasinos compete to provide the RWE services to game providers. Similarlya market can be made whereby game providers compete to have their gamesassociated with particular casino operators.

In many embodiments, game providers can readily enable theirentertainment games or video games to become hybrid games or designgames specifically for this purpose.

In various embodiments, regulators can establish jurisdiction overon-line gambling through regulation of casino operators

In some embodiments, players can interface with reputable casinos theyknow have the proper financial backing and controls, and are trusted byregulatory authorities.

In many embodiments, specialization between the game providers andcasinos is afforded, benefiting all economic participants and reducinglitigation and market overlap.

In various embodiments, new providers can brought on line easily by themarketplace MUXs exporting an interface to the prospective providerwhose system (ESE, GWE or RWE) complies with the interface, the offeringvalidated, and then enabled on-line.

In some embodiments, a system can be implemented in a context other thanthe Internet. The construct described herein can also be used, forexample, within a single casino, such that users access a plethora ofgames through terminals on the casino floor, and the various modules orelements of the hybrid game are dynamically combined using the systemsand methods described herein to provide a broad range of gamingexperiences to the player. In many embodiments, the architecture canspan multiple casino floors, multiple casinos owned by a single propertygroup, multiple casinos spanning multiple property groups andpotentially multiple regulatory jurisdictions, etc. In short, thedescribed architecture allows hybrid games to be dynamically organizedin response to a range of inputs and conditions on the Internet,land-based casinos or other venues (real or virtual) where gaming takesplace.

In various embodiments, an ESE 203 interfaces directly to an RWE 204without requiring connection to a GWE 202 in the matrix. Such animplementation allows more traditional non-skill gaming games (such as avirtual slot machine, etc.) operating on the ESE to link flexibly in thesame manner afforded by the MUX to various RWE's and financialinstitutions in a variety of regulatory regimes or locations.

In some embodiments, the architecture of FIG. 2 operates with just a GWE202 connected to an ESE 203 through the MUX 200, allowing fornon-wagering models where portions of the credit flows associated with ahybrid game could be accommodated, without the presence of RC. Such animplementation can also be useful for wagering models wherepost-processing of the session occur at a different time or physical orvirtual location.

There are many possible permutations of how a hybrid game could bedynamically assembled. Other embodiments might include a version wherethe marketplace MUXs are included within one of the primary modules orelements, GWE, ESE and/or RWE, or instances where only a portion of thearchitecture has been implemented. In some embodiments, portions of thedynamically assembled hybrid game and/or its MUXs are located partiallywithin the confines of a land based casino, and other portions existingin the cloud. Other permutations may be an ESE running on a terminal inthe casino, accessing other portions of the architecture via WAN or thecloud.

FIG. 3 is an illustration of the architecture of FIG. 2 in a cloud-basedsolution. Shown are a plurality of various hybrid game modules orelements, GWE 302, ESE 303 and RWE 904, interconnected in the cloud.Also pictured are one or more marketplace MUXs 300. In thisconfiguration, the various modules or elements subscribe to themarketplace MUXs that control the connection of the various modules orelements to other modules or elements in order to dynamically constructhybrid games. Control of the spawned environment can be under one ormore of the marketplace MUXs, which would permit connection between thehybrid game module or element servers (ESE, GWE, RWE) in variouscombinations based on various rule engines and algorithms resident inthe MUXs.

FIG. 4 illustrates the inner workings of an exemplary marketplace MUX400 and can be thought of as the operating system (OPS). The OPS iscomprised of a number of internal modules or elements and modules orelements that are responsible for the routing and management of datathat flows through the MUX. In the diagram, one or more of an ESE 403,GWE 402 or RWE 404 are operatively connected to the MUX via the Internet405. Making up the OPS are a subscriber interface 417, that serves therole of facilitating connection of hybrid game modules or elements andprovides connection authorization and approvals of the module or elementconnecting to the MUX. The subscriber interface enables parties tointeract with the MUX to manage the modules or elements they have madeavailable to the market, and to access various reports as to theutilization of modules or elements and the attendant economicsassociated with that use. An availability determination module orelement 418 is coupled to the subscriber interface, determines theavailability of the MUX for the requested use, and the MUX's ability toconnect to the other requested hybrid game module or element and signalsthe subscriber interface so it may permit or reject the requestedconnection. A routing module or element 422 handles the creation of theinterconnections for a hybrid game session between the various modulesor elements. Once a connection is created/allowed by the routing moduleor element, a virtual channel 410 is established so that traffic mayflow between hybrid game modules or elements. A number of modules orelements in the MUX rely on inspection of the virtual traffic channel,namely the session manager 411 whose job it is to manage the individualsession, the billing monitor 412 that serves to track billing for thesake of billing and charging the player, the session monitor 413 thatmonitors the live session traffic to harvest information necessary forthe MUX to manage record keeping and real time session monitoring, a taxaccounting module or element 419 for auditing, assessing and assigningtax distribution for the hybrid game play based on point of play, pointof operator and possibly point of server farm, and a regulatoryinspection/action tracking module or element (RIAM) 414 that monitorstraffic and other parameters to ensure regulatory compliance. In manyembodiments, all of the modules or elements described also have accessto various database and storage facilities 416 available for the MUX.The MUX also has a control interface 425 that allows the MUX to beprogrammed and configured, report status and for the MUX to communicatewith other MUXs, taxing authorities, regulatory authorities, and otherentities with that it is authorized to communicate. In some embodiments,the control interface 425 can also be used by the controlling or owningparty of the MUX to accomplish a number of control functions, includingvarious audit functions, and a number of other functions supported bythe control interface, including authorizing a subscriber's ability toconnect and conduct business through the MUX. In further embodiments,access to the internal OPS modules or elements can be controlled by anaccess authorization module or element 420 to ensure that onlyauthorized parties may access the MUX.

FIG. 5 illustrates one exemplary set of data flows, signaling andinformation exchange between the various modules or elements of FIG. 4.The table below describes this based on the labeled stages in thediagram.

TABLE 1 Marketplace MUX (“MUX”) operation a An ESE 503 connects to theMUX so as to inevitably request connect to other modules or elements ofa hybrid game. The subscriber interface 517 exports an interface to theESE over the internet 505, or in some other manner signals the ESE as tothe method to connect to the MUX. These two modules or elementshandshake and establish a connection. b The subscriber interface 517checks with the regulatory inspection/action module or element (“RIAM”)514 to determine if the ESE 503 is an approved provider for theparticular regulatory regime, and if so, signals approval of the ESE toconnect. If the ESE were not approved, the subscriber interface wouldterminate the connection. c The subscriber interface 517 checks with thebilling monitor 512 to determine if the particular ESE 503 is associatedwith an account with the MUX, or if one is required for billing forservices or for handling money transfer/cross-billing for the playsession through the MUX. The billing monitor may be requested toestablish an account for the session. d Assuming approval in step cabove, the subscriber interface 517 signals the availability module orelement 518 that the particular ESE 503 is now available for connectionthrough the MUX to other hybrid game modules or elements. e A GWE 502connects to the MUX so as to inevitably connect to other modules orelements of the hybrid game. The subscriber interface 517 exports aninterface to the GWE over the internet 505, or in some other mannersignals the GWE as to the method to connect to the MUX. These twomodules or elements handshake and establish a connection. f Thesubscriber interface 517 performs the same regulatory regime check as instep b, except it is for the particular GWE 502 g The subscriberinterface 517 performs the same billing monitor 512 check as in step c,except it is for the particular GWE 502 h The subscriber interface 517signals the availability module or element 518 that the particular GWE502 is now available for connection. i The ESE 503 requests of thesubscriber interface 517 that it wishes to connect through the MUX to aparticular GWE 502. j The subscriber interface 517 requests availabilityof the particular GWE 502 from the availability module or element 518,which responds that it is available for connection. k The subscriberinterface 517 signals the session manager 511 that to open acommunication session between the particular ESE 503 and the GWE 502.The session manager maintains control over the link and determines theduration of the connection, and may induce filtering on some aspects ofthe communications. In some embodiments, it is constructed could allowcommunications with the ESE and GWE so that either hybrid game module orelement could elect to sever the connection. L The session manager 511signals the routing module or element 522 to open a virtual pipe betweenthe two hybrid game modules or elements, ESE 503 and GWE 502 so thatthey may directly communicate. m The pipe is established by the routingmodule or element 522 and hybrid game data packets flow between the ESE503 and the GWE 502. n The session monitor 513 is responsible formonitoring the data exchanges and supplying applicable data in eitherthe original form or a secondary form to the tax accounting module orelement 519 whose responsibility it is to account for the session fortax assessment, the billing monitor 512 whose responsibility it is tobill for services of the MUX and cross bill and/or transfer funds orcredits between the connected hybrid game components, and the errordetection monitor 515 whose responsibility it is to monitor the channelfor errant or out of bounds data behavior. o The RIAM 514 whose role itis to monitor that the hybrid game, its participant(s), the fundsexchanged, and the location of the hybrid game modules or elements (ESE,GWE and RWE) meet the regulatory regime. Additionally, in someembodiments, the RIAM can scan hybrid game session packets for cheatingwhether it be: player performance exceeding their rated capabilities(handicap), extraordinary ESE game performance as could be enabled by“cheats”, suspected illegal teaming up of players in community games,etc.

The data flow, sequence and module or element descriptions in the tableabove are provided as an example of one exemplary method by which themarketplace MUX 500 operates, and is not intended to be exhaustive. Anumber of permutations of data flows and sequences of the MUX arepossible. In many other embodiments, various other communications arepossible, such as a GWE 502 seeking to connect to an ESE 503, an ESE 503connecting to an RWE 504 without connecting to a GWE 502, a GWE 502connecting to an RWE 504, an ESE 503, a GWE 502 and an RWE 504 allconnecting to one another, or the RIAM 514 deriving its tap andinformation from the Session Monitor 513 and/or other modules orelements and segments of the MUX

In many embodiments, the ESE 503, passes a request through a marketplaceMUX 500 to the GWE 502 to connect through another marketplace MUX to aparticular RWE 504, including specific indication of a particularfinancial institution 202 (FIG. 2) with which the player has an account,from which to draw credit or funds from to fund the hybrid game session.Account authorizations, funds and other data would then flow from thefinancial institution, directly or indirectly through the RWE to thesecond marketplace MUX where information could be loaded into thebilling monitor module or element 512, and then further transmitted upto the first marketplace MUX either directly through the MUX controlinterface 525, or indirectly through the GWE, to be utilized in themarketplace MUX's billing monitor module or element 512, and furtherflowing up through the first marketplace MUX to the ESE, where accountstatus, funds release and authorizations could take place fortransmission back down through the stack described hereto to thefinancial institution 502 and the other waypoints of the FIG. 2architecture through which said financial and account data flows.

In some embodiments, in managing the aforementioned marketplaces, theMUXs can also act to regulate traffic (i.e. interconnections) betweenmodules or elements to reflect the capacity available by the provider ofthe module or element(s) in terms of data flows, economic constraints,number of games that can be simultaneously supported, regulatory limits,etc.

In many embodiments, the hybrid game modules or elements (GWE, ESE, RWE)offered for interconnect in the marketplace adhere to standards asrelates their function and the data flows they support.

In various embodiments, the regulator inspection/action module orelement (RIAM) 514 allows approved regulatory bodies to monitorprocesses within the MUX real-time, and to access data (session,billing, etc.). This module or element also allows the regulator to takeaction to eliminate or restrict certain modules or elements from themarketplace, to disconnect modules or elements from the MUX in realtime, to establish rules that can shape which modules or elements canand cannot be interconnected, to alter the nature and frequency at whichdata is placed into the data store, etc. In short, the RIAM cansupervise all aspects of the MUX's behavior while overseeing/monitoringthe performance of individual modules or elements. There can be morethan one instance of the RIAM such that one can be used, for example, asa control layer by the operator of the MUX, and others more of amonitoring and auditing function tied to a specific gaming session orsessions (i.e. combinations of an ESE, GWE, RWE module or elementdelivering a hybrid game experience to a player). In such cases, ahierarchy for the modules or elements can be established such that theactions initiated through the module or element with higher standingsupersede those of the lower level RIAM.

In other embodiments, the RIAM 514 and/or the tax accounting module orelement 519 within each MUX may also provide functionality to establishtaxes due and payable to various governmental and regulatory authoritiesas a function of the location and/or nature of the parties involved inproviding and playing the hybrid game and the funds spent or stored inconjunction with player game play and/or a player's account. Thesemodules or elements operating within the marketplace MUX may alsointerface with their compliments (RIAM and tax accounting module orelement) within the same or another marketplace MUX to provideend-to-end support of regulatory and tax requirements and may providethis information directly to the Game Providers, entities operating theMUXs and/or hybrid game modules or elements, and regulators. Thecommunication link between these OPS modules or elements within the MUXsmay be through the control interface 525, or specialized packetsinjected into the hybrid game steam of data running in the virtual pipebetween the MUXs for the hybrid game session.

In still further embodiments, the various OPS modules or elements ofFIG. 4 communicate with other OPS modules or elements in other MUXs 500,the system as a whole can support a secure packet communicationmethodology between all functional modules or elements and modules orelements and a prioritization of messages by type. Varying levels ofsecurity can be used depending upon the nature of the communicationbetween modules or elements of the system. For example, communicationsbetween RIAMs 514 might have higher priority and higher level securitythan would communications through the subscriber interface indicatingmodule or element availability. The use of a packet-based communicationmethodology, working in concert with the flexibility of the MUXarchitecture for hybrid games, allows one to flexibly add jurisdictionsand additional MUX and RIAM layers in the future without having to spawnwhole new communications channels. Effectively, the infrastructureallows, for example, a regulatory body to “subscribe” to thepre-existing network.

In some embodiments, RIAM 514 and/or tax accounting module or element519 oriented data packets can be attached to each transaction (meaning agame session or portions thereof on a hybrid game) so that theregulatory and taxing records and controls flow seamlessly through thesame virtual pipe established to dynamically link together a hybridgame.

In many embodiments, the one or more marketplace MUXs 500 operate as GWEMUXs. In addition to providing a market by which parties decide whatspecific instances of each type of module or element are interconnected,each GWE MUX acts as a router, managing the traffic between modules orelements. In performance of its duties as a router, the GWE MUX alsoreceives messaging from the interconnected modules or elements andtracks the economic rents incurred as a result of each interconnect.Billing processes within the GWE MUX manage payments between theparticipants in the GWE MUX (i.e. the parties that control/own modulesor elements) and extracts economic rents for the operator of the GWE MUXitself. When the interconnection between modules or elements needs to beterminated (at the end of a single session, after a definitive period oftime, or until such time as a command to disconnect the modules orelements is received from one or more of the module or element'scontrolling entities) this process is affected by the GWE MUX.

In some embodiments, a market module or element controls how partiesmake modules or elements available for access to other modules orelements, and where the parties that own modules or elements describetheir characteristics. Modules or elements offered for interconnectionin the marketplace adhere to standards as relates their function and thedata flows they support. In many embodiments, MUXs would also supporttwo additional interfaces, a control interface and subscriber interface.The control interface would be used by the controlling or owning party,to accomplish a number of control functions, including authorizing asubscriber's ability to connect and conduct business through the MUX.The control interface is an instance of a RIAM. Various audit functions,and a number of other functions would be supported by the controlinterface. The subscriber interface would enable parties to interactwith the MUX to manage the modules or elements they have made availableto the market, and to access various reports as to the utilization ofmodules or elements and the attendant economics associated with thatuse.

In many embodiments, the OPS portion of the MUX, shown in FIG. 5, routesdata between modules or elements that have been interconnected throughthe market. OPS also controls sessions (i.e. establishes, terminates)between modules or elements, tracks data to support billing functionsand does all this in the context of the capacity constraints associatedwith each module or element. Error reporting and management is also asupported function within the OPS, ensuring that modules or elementsexperiencing technical difficulties are taken off-line and that theother modules or elements (and end users) ultimately connected to themare protected against negative impacts (e.g. lost data, lost currency)as a function of such errors.

In some embodiments, a data store stores records of each session alongwith billing data, and data desired by regulators for regular or randominspection.

In many embodiments, the RIAM allows approved regulators to monitorprocesses within the MUX real-time, and to access data (session,billing, etc.). This module or element also allows the regulator to takeaction to eliminate or restrict certain modules or elements from themarketplace, to disconnect modules or elements from the MUX in realtime, to establish rules that can shape which modules or elements canand cannot be interconnected, to alter the nature and frequency at whichdata is placed into the data store, etc. In short, the RIAM cansupervise aspects of the MUX's behavior while overseeing/monitoring theperformance of individual modules or elements. There can be more thanone instance of the RIAM such that one can be used, for example, as acontrol layer by the operator of the MUX, and others more of amonitoring and auditing function tied to a specific gaming session orsessions (i.e. combinations of an ESE, GWE, RWE module or elementdelivering a hybrid game experience to a player). In such cases, ahierarchy for the modules or elements can be established such that theactions initiated through the module or element with higher standingsupersede those of the lower level RIAM.

In various embodiments, the RIAM within each MUX may also providefunctionality to establish taxes due and payable to various governmentaland regulatory authorities as a function of the location and/or natureof the parties involved in providing and playing the hybrid game and thefunds spent or stored in conjunction with player game play and/or aplayer's account. A RIAM operating within a marketplace MUX may alsointerface with a RIAM within another marketplace MUX to provideend-to-end support of regulatory and tax requirements and may providethis information directly to the game providers, entities operating theMUXs and/or hybrid game modules or elements, and regulators.

In many embodiments, the system as a whole supports a secure packetcommunication methodology between all functional modules or elements andmodules or elements, such that RIAMs in the stack can communicate witheach other over the same network or methods as hybrid game modules orelements communicate with each other through MUXs, and with MUXsdirectly. In some embodiments, varying levels of security can be useddepending upon the nature of the communication between modules orelements of the system. For example, communications between RIAMs mighthave higher level security protections than would communications throughthe subscriber interface indicating module or element availability. Invarious embodiments, the use of a packet-based communication methodologyallows one to flexibly add jurisdictions and additional MUX and RIAMlayers in the future without having to spawn whole new communicationschannels. Effectively, the infrastructure allows, for example, aregulatory body to “subscribe” to the pre-existing network. In someembodiments, RIAM oriented data packets could be attached to eachtransaction (meaning a game session on a hybrid game) so that theregulatory (and taxing) requirements flow seamless through the sameinfrastructure system. It also allows the layering and organization ofRIAMs, MUXs and hybrid game modules or elements, as well as heretoforeunforeseen functional modules or elements to be dynamically organized.

FIG. 6 is an illustration of the operation of a regulatory regime/tax(RR/T) tag in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. Each module orelement or module or element of a hybrid game has associated with it aregulatory regime. Acting as a “tag”, the regulatory regime serves toinform the one or more RIAM(s) 614 of one or more marketplace MUXs 600as to the appropriate rules and access required to oversee theperformance of the module or element in question. It is possible thatthe regulatory regime for a given module or element is the “null set” inthe case where no regulatory oversight is required and/or provided.

A RIAM is able to access the regulatory regime of each hybrid gamemodule or element (RWE 604 GWE 602, ESE 603) and uses information fromthat regulatory regime to shape its function. For example, it may not bepermissible to interconnect modules or elements with a particularregulatory regime with modules or elements that are not regulated, orthat are regulated by an authority that is unacceptable to the regulatorof another module or element or modules or elements.

The RR/T includes at least an identifier of a regulatory regime underwhich a respective module or element or module or element of a hybridgame is regulated. Accordingly, the RR/T serves to inform the RIAM(s) ofeach MUX as to the appropriate rules, tax regimes and access required tomanage the accounting and performance of the module or element inquestion. In FIG. 6, there are the three hybrid game modules or elementsGWE 602, ESE 603 and RWE 604, each with its own regulatory regime/taxtags, namely GWE RR/T Tag 605, ESE RR/T 601 and RWE RR/T Tag 607. Eachmodule or element transmits its tag into the MUX to which it isconnected, where the RIAM 614 and the tax accounting module or element619 receive the respective tags and configure their auditing andmonitoring functions using the specified rules transmitted with eachtag. This architecture provides that any hybrid game module or element,operating under any regulatory and tax regime, can be flexiblyaccommodated across any other regulatory and tax regime. This allowsdynamically adding various hybrid game modules or elements regardless oftheir point of origin, or the point of service, whilst preservingregulatory and tax requirements. In addition, in various embodiments, aRIAM can access the regulatory regime of each hybrid game module orelement (RWE, GWE, and ESE) and use information from that regulatoryregime to shape its function. For example, it may not be permissible tointerconnect modules or elements with a particular regulatory regimewith modules or elements that are not regulated, or that are regulatedby an authority that is unacceptable to the regulator of another moduleor element or modules or elements. In such case, the MUX, viainteraction with the RIAM, would be able to disable certain un-allowedcombinations.

In many embodiments, a RIAM can deployed in a highly independent manner,whereby its functionality is preprogrammed in accord with a regulator'srequirements, and data is made available off-line for subsequent reviewby a regulatory authority. In some embodiments, the RIAM can be moreinteractive in nature, its actions slaved to commands provided inreal-time or near real-time from a regulatory body (e.g. requiring anexternal system to approve certain actions—for example, interconnectingone module or element to another, or paying out a large jackpot—inresponse to data provided by the RIAM to that external system).

In various embodiments, a RIAM can receive data from the systems of aregulatory authority that will condition its performance in the contextof a specific regulatory regime.

In some embodiments, the various functions of a marketplace MUX might bedistributed over one or more other pieces of hardware and/or softwarecomprising the overall architecture and the marketplace MUX systems,such as some modules or elements running on a remote server, others on aserver in the “cloud” (located over the Internet in a differentlocation).

In many embodiments, an RWE, GWE, ESE, one or more marketplace MUXs andany of these modules or elements internal modules or elements describedherein can be implemented on multiple processing apparatuses, whetherdedicated, shared or distributed in any combination thereof, or may beimplemented on a single processing apparatus. In addition, while certainaspects and features of a gaming environment described herein have beenattributed to any of the RWE, GWE, ESE, or marketplace MUXs, and any oftheir internal modules or elements, these aspects and features may beimplemented in a hybrid form where any of the features or aspects may beperformed by any of the aforementioned systems, modules or elements andmodules or elements within a gaming system.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an implementation of a hybrid game in acasino in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. In the figure, thehybrid game 700 components, RWE 702, ESE 704 and GWE 706 are bordered bythe dashed line. Also pictured in the diagram are a number of otherperipheral systems, such as player management, casino management,regulatory, and hosting servers that may be present in such animplementation. FIG. 7 also illustrates various other systems, which mayreside outside the bounds of the casino and are connected to theframework via communications network, such as the Internet 705, depictedby the connection lines past the casino firewall 708. It should beunderstood that FIG. 7 does not attempt to illustrate all servers andsystems to which a hybrid game 700 might be inevitably be connected, andindeed one might expect there would be others, but rather provides anexample of a set of a sub-set of systems which would be present in anexemplary installation.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing another implementation of a hybrid game inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment. Pictured are various componentsthat under one implementation are the GWE 802, the ESE 803 and the RWE804. In the figure, note that the GWE is comprised of twosub-components, a local GWE server 814, and a cloud server 815.(components within the dash line area 801). In the figure, certain ofthe components are located within the bounds of the casino, namely theRWE 804, the ESE 803 and a portion of the GWE 802, namely the local GWEserver 814. The Cloud Server GWE 815 is located in the cloud connectedto the casino bounded hybrid game components via communications networksuch as the Internet 805.

FIG. 9 is a diagram of another implementation of a hybrid game inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment. In the diagram, a hybrid game901 is composed of various components connected together by acommunications network, such as the Internet 905. In this particularaspect, the ESE 903 is made up of sub components consisting of a typicalhome video game console 956 (or other types of home gaming computer)coupled to an ESE hosting server 951 which in this example provides forcommunity and head to head play among multiple players on connectedconsoles 956, reflected in the diagram by the pictured second player andvideo game console. Also shown, is a UI 955 coupled to the video gameconsole 956 to provide for a player 980 interface. The other coremodules or elements of a hybrid game are also pictured, namely the GWE902 in the form of a cloud server, and the RWE 904 in the form of acloud server. It should be noted that the FIG. 9 implementation is thehybrid game architecture accomplished primarily in the cloud,functionally equivalent to the land based and semi-land based solutionsshown in FIGS. 7 and 8.

There are many possible permutations of how a hybrid game could beconstructed, with FIGS. 7, 8 and 9 showing only three possiblepermutations and provided as examples, which are not intended to suggestlimitations to the forms of the architecture. Other embodiments includea version where the entire hybrid game is in the cloud with only aclient running on player terminal within the bounds of the casino, or aversion where the RWE and GWE are casino bound and the ESE exists in thecloud, accessed by a client running on a terminal in the casino.

FIG. 10 illustrates an overview of an exemplary credit system of ahybrid game in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. In the figure,the player 1080 commences interaction with the game by contributing oneor more of three types of credits to the game, the three being: (i) RC1081 which is a currency fungible instrument, (ii) GWC 1083 which aregame world credits, and (iii) EE 1082 which is the enabling module orelement of the entertainment portion of the game running on the ESE. Anenabling module or element is an module or element of an entertainmentgame is an module or element of the entertainment game that is consumedby, traded or exchanged in, operated upon, or used to enable theentertainment game portion of the hybrid game. There may be one or moretypes of EE present in a hybrid game's entertainment game. Examples ofEE include bullets in a shooting game, fuel in a racing game, letters ina word spelling game, downs in a football game, potions in a characteradventure game, character health points, etc.

The contribution of one or more of these modules or elements may beexecuted by insertion into the game of currency in the case of RC,and/or transferred in as electronic credit in the case of any of the RC,GWC and EE. Electronic transfer in of these credits may come via a smartcard, voucher or other portable media, or as transferred in over anetwork from a patron server or hybrid game player account server. Incertain implementations, these credits may not be transferred into thehybrid game, but rather drawn on demand from player accounts located inservers residing on the network or in the cloud on a real time basis asthe credits are consumed by the hybrid game. Once these credits aredeposited, or a link to their availability is made, the hybrid game hasthem at its disposal to use for execution of the game. Generally, the RCis utilized by and accounted for by the RWE 1004, and the EE 1082 andGWC 1083 are utilized and accounted for by the GWE and/or the ESE.

FIG. 11 shows an exemplary credit flow and management in a hybrid gamein accordance with an exemplary embodiment. Pictured in the figure arehybrid game modules or elements RWE, GWE and ESE, and the three types ofcredits, RC, EE and GWC as previously described. In FIG. 11, thefollowing steps occur in credit flow and management:

TABLE 2 Hybrid Game Credit Flow and Management a the player performs anaction or makes a decision through the game UI b the ESE signals the GWEof the player decision or action taken c the GWE signals the ESE as tothe amount of EE that will be consumed by the player action or decision.This signaling configures function 990 to control the EE consumption,decay or addition d the ESE consumes the amount of EE designated by theGWE to couple to the player action e the GWE signals the RWE as to theprofile of the wager proposition associated with the particular action,and triggers the wager f the RWE consumes RC for the wager and executesthe wager g the RWE returns RC depending on the outcome of the wager hthe RWE informs the GWE as to the outcome of the wager i The GWE signalsthe ESE to add additional (or subtract, or add 0) EE to one or more ofthe EEs of the ESE entertainment game. This is reflected as function 990in the figure. j The ESE reconciles the EE(s) of the entertainment game.k The ESE signals the GWE as to its updated status, and the GWE signalsthe ESE to add additional (or subtract, or add 0) GWC to one or more ofthe GWC of the ESE entertainment game. This is reflected in function 991in the figure. L The ESE reconciles the GWC(s) of the entertainmentgame.

The credit flow according to the method described above, can beillustrated by the following example in a first person shooter game,such as Call of Duty® again using the same hybrid game sequence:

TABLE 3 Example Hybrid Game Credit Flow and Management a the playerselects a machine gun to use in the game. The player fires a burst at anopponent. {the player performs an action or makes a decision through thegame UI} b the ESE signals the GWE of the player's choice of weapon,that a burst of fire was fired, and the outcome of whether the playerhit the opponent with the burst of fire. {the ESE signals the GWE of theplayer decision or action taken} c the GWE processes the information inb above, and signals the ESE to consume 3 bullets (EE) with each pull ofthe trigger. {the GWE signals the ESE as to the amount of EE that willbe consumed by the player action or decision. This signaling configuresfunction 990 to control the EE consumption, decay or addition} d the ESEentertainment game consumes 3 bullets (EE) since the trigger was pulled.{the ESE consumes the amount of EE designated by the GWE to couple tothe player action} e the GWE signals the RWE that 3 credits (RC) are tobe wagered to match the 3 bullets (EE) consumed, on a particular paytable (table Ln-RC) as a function how much damage the player inflictedon his/her opponent. {the GWE signals the RWE as to the profile of thewager proposition associated with the particular action, and triggersthe wager} f the RWE consumes the 3 credits for the wager and executesthe specified wager {the RWE consumes RC for the wager and executes thewager} g the RWE determines that the player hits a jackpot of 6 credits,and returns these 6 credits (RC) to the credit meter. {the RWE returnsRC depending on the outcome of the wager} h the RWE informs the GWE that3 credits (RC) net, were won {the RWE informs the GWE as to the outcomeof the wager} i the GWE signals the ESE to add 3 bullets (EE) to theplayer's ammo clip {The GWE signals the ESE to add additional (orsubtract, or add 0) EE to one or more of the EEs of the ESEentertainment game. This is reflected as function 990 in the figure} jthe ESE adds back 3 bullets (EE) to the player's ammo clip in theentertainment game. This may take place by directly adding them to theclip, or may happen in the context of the entertainment game, such asthe player finding extra ammo on the ground or in an old abandoned ammodump. {The ESE reconciles the EE(s) of the entertainment game} k The GWElogs the new player score (GWC) in the game (as a function of thesuccessful hit on the opponent) based on ESE signaling, and signals theESE to add 2 extra points to their score since a jackpot was won. {TheESE signals the GWE as to its updated status, and the GWE signals theESE to add additional (or subtract, or add 0) GWC to one or more of theGWC of the ESE entertainment game. This is reflected in function 991 inthe figure} L the ESE adds 10 points to the player's score (GWC) giventhe success of the hit which in this example is worth 8 points, plus the2 extra points requested by GWE. {The ESE reconciles the GWC(s) of theentertainment game.}

Note that the foregoing example in Table 3 is intended to provide anillustration of how credits flow in a hybrid game, but is not intendedto be exhaustive and only lists only one of numerous possibilities ofhow a hybrid game may be configured to manage its fundamental credits.

Any of a variety of processing apparatuses can host various componentsof a regulated hybrid gaming system in accordance with embodiments ofthe invention. In several embodiments, these processing apparatuses caninclude, but are not limited to, a gaming machine, a general purposecomputer, a computing device and/or a controller. A processing apparatusin accordance with various embodiments of the invention is illustratedin FIG. 12. In the processing apparatus 1200, a processor 1204 iscoupled to a memory 1206 by a bus 1228. The processor 1204 is alsocoupled to non-transitory processor-readable storage media, such as astorage device 1208 that stores processor-executable instructions 1212and data 1210 through the system bus 1228 to an I/O bus 1226 through astorage controller 1218. The processor 1204 is also coupled to one ormore interfaces that may be used to connect the processor to otherprocessing apparatuses as well as networks as described herein. Theprocessor 1204 is also coupled via the bus to user input devices 1214,such as tactile devices like keyboards, keypads, foot pads, touchscreens, trackballs, etc., as well as non-contact devices such as audioinput devices, motion sensors and motion capture devices, etc. that theprocessing apparatus may use to receive inputs from a user when the userinteracts with the processing apparatus. The processor 1204 is connectedto these user input devices 1214 through the system bus 1228, to the I/Obus 1226 and through the input controller 1220. The processor 1204 isalso coupled via the bus to user output devices 1216 such as (but notlimited to) visual output devices, audio output devices, and/or tactileoutput devices that the processing apparatus uses to generate outputsperceivable by the user when the user interacts with the processingapparatus. In several embodiments, the processor is coupled to visualoutput devices such as (but not limited to) display screens, lightpanels, and/or lighted displays. In a number of embodiments, theprocessor is coupled to audio output devices such as (but not limitedto) speakers, and/or sound amplifiers. In many embodiments, theprocessor is coupled to tactile output devices like vibrators, and/ormanipulators. The processor is connected to output devices from thesystem bus 1228 to the I/O bus 1226 and through the output controller1222. The processor 1204 can also be connected to a communicationsinterface 1202 from the system bus 1228 to the I/O bus 1226 through acommunications controller 1224.

In various embodiments, a processor loads the instructions and the datafrom the storage device into the memory and executes the instructionsand operates on the data to implement the various aspects and featuresof the components of a gaming environment as described herein. Theprocessor uses the user input devices and the user output devices inaccordance with the instructions and the data in order to create andoperate user interfaces for players, casino operators, owners, etc. asdescribed herein.

Although the processing apparatus is described herein as beingconstructed from a processor and instructions stored and executed byhardware components, the processing apparatus can be composed of onlyhardware components in accordance with many embodiments. In addition,although the storage device is described as being coupled to theprocessor through a bus, those skilled in the art of processingapparatuses will understand that the storage device can includeremovable media such as a USB memory device, an optical CD ROM, magneticmedia such as tape or disks, etc. Also, the storage device can beaccessed through one of the interfaces or over a network. Furthermore,any of the user input devices or user output devices can be coupled tothe processor via one of the interfaces or over a network. In addition,although a single processor is described, those skilled in the art willunderstand that the processor can be a controller or other computingdevice or a separate computer as well as be composed of multipleprocessors or computing devices.

In numerous embodiments, any of a gaming environment, a marketplace MUX,an RWE, a GWE or an ESE as described herein can be implemented on one ormore processing apparatuses, whether dedicated, shared or distributed inany combination thereof, or may be implemented on a single processingapparatus. In addition, while certain aspects and features of a gamingand regulatory monitoring system described herein have been attributedto a marketplace MUX, an RWE, a GWE or an ESE, these aspects andfeatures may be implemented in a hybrid form where any of the featuresor aspects may be performed by any of marketplace MUX, an RWE, a GWE oran ESE within a gaming environment without deviating from the spirit ofthe embodiments disclosed herein.

While the above description contains many specific embodiments of theinvention, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope ofthe invention, but rather as an example of one embodiment thereof. It istherefore to be understood that the invention can be practiced otherwisethan as specifically described, without departing from the scope andspirit of the invention. Thus, embodiments of the invention should beconsidered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of a gaming environment multiplexer,comprising: receiving by the multiplexer a request for coupling via anetwork an entertainment game portion of a hybrid game to a hybrid gamecontrol logic portion of a hybrid game, the hybrid game control logicfor coupling the entertainment game portion of the hybrid game to agambling game portion of the hybrid game; determining by the multiplexerthat the entertainment game portion of the hybrid game is approved for aregulatory regime; and coupling by the multiplexer the entertainmentgame portion of the hybrid game to the hybrid game control logic portionof the hybrid game via the network when the multiplexer determines thatthe entertainment game portion of the hybrid game is approved, wherebythe hybrid game control logic couples the entertainment game portion ofthe hybrid game via the network to the gambling game portion of thehybrid game.
 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: determiningby the multiplexer if the entertainment game portion of the hybrid gameis associated with an account; and making by the multiplexer theentertainment game portion of the hybrid game available for coupling tothe hybrid game control logic portion of the hybrid game when it isdetermined that the entertainment game portion of the hybrid game isassociated with an account.
 3. The method of claim 1, further comprisingmaking available by the multiplexer the hybrid game control logicportion of the hybrid game when it is determined that the hybrid gamecontrol logic portion of the hybrid game is approved for the regulatoryregime.
 4. The method of claim 1, further comprising transmitting by thehybrid game control logic portion of the hybrid game a regulatoryregime/tax tag to a regulatory inspection/action tracking module of themultiplexer.
 5. The method of claim 1, further comprising transmittingby the entertainment game portion of the hybrid game a regulatoryregime/tax tag to a regulatory inspection/action tracking module of themultiplexer.
 6. The method of claim 1, further comprising: receiving bythe multiplexer a request by the hybrid game control logic portion ofthe hybrid game to connect via the network to the gambling game portionof the hybrid game; determining by the multiplexer that the gamblinggame portion of the hybrid game is approved for a regulatory regime; andcoupling by the multiplexer the hybrid game control logic portion of thehybrid game to the gambling game portion of the hybrid game via thenetwork when the multiplexer determines that the gambling game portionof the hybrid game is approved for the regulatory regime.
 7. The methodof claim 6, further comprising transmitting by the gambling game portionof the hybrid game a regulatory regime/tax tag to a regulatoryinspection/action tracking module of the multiplexer.
 8. The method ofclaim 6, further comprising: receiving by the multiplexer a request fromthe entertainment game portion of the hybrid game to utilize a financialinstitution for funding the hybrid game for playing by a player; andauthorizing by the multiplexer the funding of the hybrid game using thefinancial institution.
 9. A system for a gaming environment multiplexer,comprising: a processor; a memory coupled to the processor, the memoryhaving processor-executable instructions comprising: receiving by themultiplexer a request for coupling via a network an entertainment gameportion of a hybrid game to a hybrid game control logic portion of ahybrid game, the hybrid game control logic for coupling theentertainment game portion of the hybrid game to a gambling game portionof the hybrid game; determining by the multiplexer that theentertainment game portion of the hybrid game is approved for aregulatory regime; and coupling by the multiplexer the entertainmentgame portion of the hybrid game to the hybrid game control logic portionof the hybrid game via the network when the multiplexer determines thatthe entertainment game portion of the hybrid game is approved, wherebythe hybrid game control logic couples the entertainment game portion ofthe hybrid game via the network to the gambling game portion of thehybrid game.
 10. The system of claim 9, the instructions furthercomprising: determining by the multiplexer if the entertainment gameportion of the hybrid game is associated with an account; and making bythe multiplexer the entertainment game portion of the hybrid gameavailable for coupling to the hybrid game control logic portion of thehybrid game when it is determined that the entertainment game portion ofthe hybrid game is associated with an account.
 11. The system of claim9, the instructions further comprising making available by themultiplexer the hybrid game control logic portion of the hybrid gamewhen it is determined that the hybrid game control logic portion of thehybrid game is approved for the regulatory regime.
 12. The system ofclaim 9, the instructions further comprising receiving, by themultiplexer from the hybrid game control logic portion of the hybridgame, a regulatory regime/tax tag for a regulatory inspection/actiontracking module.
 13. The system of claim 9, the instructions furthercomprising receiving, from the entertainment game portion of the hybridgame, a regulatory regime/tax tag for a regulatory inspection/actiontracking module of the multiplexer.
 14. The system of claim 9, theinstructions further comprising: receiving by the multiplexer a requestby the hybrid game control logic portion of the hybrid game to connectvia the network to the gambling game portion of the hybrid game; andcoupling by the multiplexer the hybrid game control logic portion of thehybrid game to the gambling game portion of the hybrid game via thenetwork when the multiplexer determines that the gambling game portionof the hybrid game is approved for the regulatory regime.
 15. The systemof claim 9, the instructions further comprising receiving, from thegambling game portion of the hybrid game a regulatory regime/tax tag fora regulatory inspection/action tracking module of the multiplexer. 16.The system of claim 9, the instructions further comprising: receiving bythe multiplexer a request from the entertainment game portion of thehybrid game to utilize a financial institution for funding the hybridgame; and authorizing the funding of the hybrid game using the financialinstitution.
 17. A non-transitory processor-readable storage mediahaving stored processor-executable instructions for a gaming environmentmultiplexer, the processor-executable instructions comprising: receivingby the multiplexer a request for coupling via a network an entertainmentgame portion of a hybrid game to a hybrid game control logic portion ofa hybrid game, the hybrid game control logic for coupling theentertainment game portion of the hybrid game to a gambling game portionof the hybrid game; determining by the multiplexer that theentertainment game portion of the hybrid game is approved for aregulatory regime; and coupling by the multiplexer the entertainmentgame portion of the hybrid game to the hybrid game control logic portionof the hybrid game via the network when the multiplexer determines thatthe entertainment game portion of the hybrid game is approved, wherebythe hybrid game control logic couples the entertainment game portion ofthe hybrid game via the network to the gambling game portion of thehybrid game.
 18. The non-transitory processor-readable storage media ofclaim 17, the processor-executable instructions further comprising:determining by the multiplexer if the entertainment game portion of thehybrid game is associated with an account; and making by the multiplexerthe entertainment game portion of the hybrid game available for couplingto the hybrid game control logic portion of the hybrid game when it isdetermined that the entertainment game portion of the hybrid game isassociated with an account.
 19. The non-transitory processor-readablestorage media of claim 17, the processor-executable instructions furthercomprising: receiving by the multiplexer a request by the hybrid gamecontrol logic portion of the hybrid game to connect via the network tothe gambling game portion of the hybrid game; determining by themultiplexer that the gambling game portion of the hybrid game isapproved for a regulatory regime; and coupling by the multiplexer thehybrid game control logic portion of the hybrid game to the gamblinggame portion of the hybrid game via the network when the multiplexerdetermines fined that the gambling game portion of the hybrid game isapproved for the regulatory regime.
 20. The non-transitoryprocessor-readable storage media of claim 17, the processor-executableinstructions further comprising: receiving by the multiplexer a requestfrom the entertainment game portion of the hybrid game to utilize afinancial institution for funding the hybrid game; and authorizing thefunding of the hybrid game using the financial institution.